Rotary Engine: The Power Behind Some of the Most Iconic Cars
When it comes to unique engine designs, few stand out as much as the rotary engine. Also known as the Wankel engine, this unconventional powerplant has been at the heart of some of the most exciting and memorable cars in automotive history.
©Wikipedia Commons: By HDP – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5
What is a Rotary Engine?
The rotary engine, also known as the Wankel engine (named after its inventor, Felix Wankel), operates on a completely different principle than conventional piston engines. While traditional engines use pistons moving up and down in cylinders, a rotary engine uses a triangular rotor that spins within an oval-shaped housing.
This design results in fewer moving parts, making the rotary engine incredibly compact and allowing it to reach higher RPMs (revolutions per minute) than most piston engines. The rotary engine also has a reputation for being incredibly smooth due to its constant rotational motion, which minimizes vibration.
Despite its advantages, the rotary engine does have some downsides. Its fuel efficiency is lower compared to piston engines, and it is notoriously difficult to maintain in the long run due to the high stress placed on the seals within the rotor. Nevertheless, the distinct sound and driving experience it offers have made it a fan favorite.
How Does the Rotary Engine Work?
Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, where pistons move in linear up-and-down motions, a rotary engine uses a triangular rotor that spins within an oval-shaped housing. As the rotor moves, it creates three distinct chambers, each one going through the stages of intake(Air and Fuel mixture), compression, power(ignition), and exhaust.
©Wikipedia Commons: By User:Y_tambe
The key to the rotary engine’s operation is the fact that the rotor’s motion is continuous, offering a smooth and consistent power delivery. This enables rotary engines to rev extremely high and create significant power output relative to their small size.
The first DKM Wankel engine designed by Felix Wankel, the DKM 54 (Drehkolbenmotor), at the Deutsches Museum in Bonn
©Wikipedia Commons: By Ralf Pfeifer
Most Powerful Cars Powered by Rotary Engines
Mazda RX-7 (1992-2002)
The third-generation RX-7, which debuted in 1992, is particularly revered for its perfect balance, lightweight construction, and the high-revving nature of its 1.3-liter twin-rotor rotary engine.
©Wikipedia Commons: By Mr.choppers
Mazda RX-8 (2003-2012)
After the RX-7, Mazda continued to develop the rotary engine with the RX-8, a four-door sports car that was designed to be more practical while maintaining the core elements of the rotary experience
©Wikipedia Commons: By IFCAR
Mazda 787B (1991)
When it comes to pure performance and power, the Mazda 787B is the crown jewel of rotary engine cars. This race car was powered by a 4-rotor rotary engine and shocked the world when it won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991.
©Wikipedia Commons: By Pahazzard
Mazda Cosmo Sport (1967-1972)
irst car to feature the Wankel rotary engine in mass production, and it holds a special place in rotary engine history. The Cosmo Sport was powered by a 10A, 2-rotor engine that produced around 110 horsepower.
©Wikipedia Commons: By Mytho88
While rotary engines have faded from the spotlight in the mainstream automotive world, Mazda hasn’t given up on this unique powertrain. In recent years, Mazda has discussed bringing back the rotary engine in a hybrid configuration, where the engine would act as a range extender for electric vehicles (EVs), rather than powering the car directly.
Additionally, enthusiasts and tuners continue to modify and extract more power from the existing rotary engines, keeping the legacy alive in motorsport and car culture.
0 Comments